The Boy with a Bird in His Chest

Longlisted for The Center for Fiction 2022 First Novel Prize, this coming-of-age story explores themes of family, grief, love, queerness, and vulnerability through the journey of Owen Tanner, who lives with a chatty bird in his chest. After years of hiding in isolation, Owen’s bold step outdoors leads him to a new community where he experiences connection, love, and acceptance, while confronting ongoing fears of rejection and a looming threat. Praised for its honest portrayal of life’s challenges and joys, the novel offers a poignant reflection on living authentically in a world full of obstacles.